Criminology and Criminal Justice Micro-Credential

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · College of Social Sciences

About This Micro-Credential

Crime and criminal justice shape society in powerful ways—but understanding them requires more than headlines or true-crime stories. This micro-credential introduces students to the core theories, data, and institutions that define criminology and criminal justice, providing a rigorous foundation for informed citizenship and professional pathways.

How to get started

• After speaking to an advisor, you have the option to seek instructor approval as an alternative to the below prerequisites: 

• Prerequisites:

Complete SOC 100 or any 200-level sociology course with a C grade or better; then register for SOC 333 and SOC 337

Complete SOC 300 with a C grade or better; then register for SOC 431

Coursework

This micro-credential consists of three courses (9 credits total):

• SOC 333:—Criminology

• SOC 337—Criminal Justice Organizations

• SOC 431—Advanced Criminology and Delinquency

Courses may be completed fully online or in a hybrid or F2F format.

Who This Is For

• Law enforcement and corrections
• Courts, probation, and parole
• Criminal justice policy and data analysis
• Sociology, law, or public service careers

Skills You Will Gain

• Analyzing crime trends and data
• Understanding criminal justice institutions
• Evaluating theories of crime causation
• Applying evidence to sentencing and policy questions

What You Will Learn

You’ll study why crime occurs, how justice systems operate, and how data informs decisions around policing, punishment, and reform—while learning to critically assess the limits of crime data and theory.

Stackability

All credits count toward Sociology major and minor electives and align with UH Mānoa’s Bachelor’s-to-Master’s (BAM) pathway in Sociology.

Learn more

Fill out the form below, and our knowledgeable staff will answer your specific questions about Micro-credentials available at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the application process, and how to get started.